OP, where are you located? There are plenty of indie shops that should be higher on your list than the dealer.

 

Do you feel as though a complete motor swap would be better? I have priced a few from different online sites I'd be looking at about $1,500 for a motor under 100K. Im not sure how trustworthy the sites are, they all claim to test and run engines before posting.... has anyone bought a motor off-line?

 

the vehicle is located In North Adams MA 01247

 

you can get engines cheaper and a motor swap isnt a goodi idea because its goign to have the same problem as yours eventually. you need to figure out the problem and go from there.

 

Well as im sure you can tell from the threads....Im not an audi expert, I've worked with cars before but never changed a motor or even a timing belt. What kind of diagnosis would determine what caused my timing belt to jump a tooth or how will I be able to find the culprit to determine what will fix my problem?

 

a leakdown test or a visual inspection, search some there are marks on the cam and crank gears that will help tell. a leakdown test will let you know if your valves are sticking open.